Is there someone, or people in your life who tend to be all talk? You know, they say they’re going to do something but rarely do. It doesn’t take long before you figure out you can’t really rely on them. They may be well intentioned, but the follow through just isn’t there. There is a disconnect, a chasm, between their words and their actions. After being let down only a few times, you may begin to lower your expectations, or have an “I’ll believe it when I see it,” reaction to their future claims.
Is there any chance you have been that person? Before you take the defense, it’s quite possible you may act with integrity and follow through on your commitments to yourself and others most of the time. But there may be one or two areas where the opposite is true. It’s not an opportunity to lay blame or make excuses, but to go deep and explore. There is a WHY somewhere, hidden in the past that may still be rearing its un-loved self and wreaking havoc in your present-day experience.
We can feel it, at least when we pause long enough to do so. Our soul knows when we’re not living up to our potential. And step ONE toward personal freedom is, as Don Miguel Ruiz would say, “Be impeccable with your word.” This is not merely to look good in the eyes of others. The simple act of completing the cycle of word into action sends signals, not just the outer world, but to your inner world, your very cells. Just like people may learn to trust and rely on you because you do what you say you’re going to do, your body, mind, and soul have the same reaction.
If you’ve listened to someone’s claim and you recall that internal (hopefully) eyeroll, hold that feeling and imagine the last time it was you who made the promise, maybe to someone else, but especially to yourself. This lack of action acts like a gap, a disrupter that creates barriers to the life you desire and the person you say you want to become.
All is not lost. Walls can be broken down, chasms can be filled, and your words can once again become trustworthy. It’s a process. Start with one small thing, one simple follow through. Focus on today, not 30, 60, or 90 days. Start with something you can accomplish today. Then celebrate your victory! Work your way up to things that may take more time and commitment. That thing you’ve been procrastinating about, you’ll get there, but re-ignite some inner trust first.
Build these “impeccable” muscles one small personal agreement at a time. Working your way from pebbles to boulders, the great divide between your words and your actions will fill in, smooth out, and you will notice an inner shift that happens when you can trust your own words.
Blessings on your journey!